From April 8 to 12, the representatives of Z Generációért Alapítvány (ZGA) participated in a detailed and immersive five-day staff mobility transnational meeting in Montpellier, France. The delegation included two representatives, one of whom was the foundation’s president. The meeting was hosted by our French partner, Ediser, and provided a comprehensive insight into various facets of road safety initiatives and technological advancements.
At Ediser’s facilities in Montpellier, we delved into their wide-ranged activities, including the provision of official driving license exam questions, publication of driving materials, and the production of cutting-edge driving simulators. A significant highlight was the demonstration of their in-house production of driving simulators. Participants were given the opportunity to try firsthand a range of simulators, from light vehicle simulations to specialized experiences for two-wheelers and individuals with disabilities – particularly noteworthy was the testing of the truck and bus simulators. Throughout the entire experience, Ediser representatives provided detailed insights into simulated driving challenges, corrective actions, and skill enhancement strategies. Additionally, we had the privilege of experiencing one of Ediser’s virtual reality software, designed to familiarize users with pre-driving checks for buses—a blend of familiar elements and new insights that added depth to our understanding.
Another significant aspect of the meeting was the deep dive into France’s road safety strategies, shedding light on initiatives undertaken since the 1990s to reduce road fatalities. Of particular interest was the governance structure, showcasing a dedicated interministerial position for road safety reporting to several ministers—a testament to the multifaceted impact of road safety on society and the economy. The presentation of communication and marketing tools further underscored Ediser’s proactive approach to promoting road safety awareness and their related products.
An integral part of the meeting was the visit to the local agency of the French Road Safety Association (Association Prévention Routière), a national ONG dedicated to promoting road safety, with local branches in each French department (administrative division of France). Here, participants gained firsthand knowledge of the association’s activities and operational strategies, with valuable insights into their nationwide and local operations. Of particular interest was the discussion surrounding the Cycling Challenge for children, a national event which showcased innovative collaborations between the association and local police to promote safe cycling skills among youth. Local police departments across France actively participate in organizing and overseeing the challenge in their respective communities.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in fruitful knowledge exchange sessions, identifying challenges in their respective countries and exploring potential solutions drawn from the French experience. The cultural immersion in Montpellier added a delightful dimension to the event, enriching the overall experience.
The staff mobility transnational meeting in Montpellier was a comprehensive and enriching experience for Z Generációért Alapítvány. As we return to Hungary, we are eager to explore opportunities to leverage the knowledge gained to enhance road safety initiatives in our country. We look forward to implementing the learnings from the meeting and exploring potential avenues for collaboration with our partners.
